Travel is linked to good health, according to a study released today by the Global Commission on Aging, the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies and the U.S. Travel Association. The findings suggested that travel has a positive effect on health, including decreased risk of heart attack and depression and even the promotion of brain health.

The study also exposed what the sponsors called a clear disconnect between perception and reality among the American public: while they dream big about travel in retirement, and would benefit from its health impacts, many are unprepared financially to ensure that their dreams come true.

The sponsors said the findings represents a call to action − both for education and for people to work on making their travel dreams a reality.